Teachers chosen to run for LNP in hotly contested Brisbane council wards

Two teachers will make a run for a pair of highly contested local government wards at next year’s council election, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner unveiling the fast-tracked preselections on Sunday.

Two teachers will make a run for a pair of highly contested local government wards at next year’s council election, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner unveiling the fast-tracked preselections on Sunday.

Despite both being held by Labor, the two wards of Wynnum Manly and Morningside have emerged as prospects for the LNP following high-profile departures of local members this year.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Picture: David Clark

Educators Alex Givney in Wynnum Manly and Allie Griffin in Morningside will be the LNP representatives in next year’s March election.

Mr Schrinner said both women were hardworking professionals with roles in their local communities.

“Women already have equal representation in our team as well as in our cabinet, and we have achieved this gender balance simply by ensuring the best person was selected to do the job,” he said.

“Our experienced team is focused on ensuring Brisbane gets even better by delivering projects and services that Australia’s fastest growing capital city needs while maintaining a balanced budget.”

Peter Cumming held Wynnum Manly for nearly three decades. Picture: John Gass

Wynnum Manly has materialised as a chance for the party following the departure of veteran councillor Peter Cumming, who was reportedly found slumped over the wheel of his car and over the limit after a Christmas party last year.

Mr Cumming, who announced his retirement after the incident, had been a popular and decorated local member and had held the ward since 1994 – while Labor has held the ward for 71 years.

Mr Schrinner said he believed Ms Givney could “bring the energy and enthusiasm required to represent the growing suburbs in the Wynnum Manly ward”.

Morningside saw the shock resignation of the party’s deputy leader Kara Cook – who was Labor’s only female councillor – earlier this year.

“Morningside has long needed a local champion who is actually interested in the day-to-day issues that matter to residents and Allie is that person,” Mr Schrinner said.

Mum-of-two Ms Givney said she had taught locally for 12 years, worked in community engagement, served on several community groups and was also a local business advocate.

Labor’s Kara Cook will not stand at next year’s election. Picture: Annette Dew

“I am a passionate local resident who has lived in the area since 2005 with my husband Ben, who is a born and bred Bayside man and local chippie,” she said.

As well as being a teacher and also a long-term resident, Ms Griffin said she was a big backer of local sports participation and small business.

“As a tennis co-ordinator and touch football coach, I know how participating in sport is good for our health and our confidence, and helps build a better community,” Ms Griffin said.

“I want to help build an even better Morningside ward.”